Hello all. I have a very small shih tzu. He hates having his hair trimmed. I have to cradle him as I do it, which is fine, if that's what it takes. The problem comes when I try to do his head and face, especially the hair between his eyes. He is nervous and jerks about. So far I have tried calming treats, drops to put on his muzzle, putting him in the bath, and last week out of desperation the vet gave me some medication to calm him... ( won't be doing that again) nothing works. Any tips would be gratefully received. Thank you. Belle
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Help with grooming, pleeease??
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Have you thought of taking him to a groomer? They are more accustomed to wriggly dogs. They also probably have access to more tools they can use.
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Is it absolutely necessary to trim him, or could you make do with grooming and topknots?
If you could get away with just grooming, I would stick with that for now so he forgets about those scary scissors. Then I would try to veeeeeery gradually desensitise him to the scissors, starting by simply having them next to you while you pet him, then picking them up, treating him, and putting them down again. Then, once he's actually happy to see you pick up the scissors because he knows a treat is forthcoming, hold them nearer to his face while treating. Build up in the same way to opening and closing them a distance from his face while treating (maybe get someone to do the treating while you operate the scissors), then closer to his face, then actually cutting one tiny bit of hair... always treating while cutting and stopping the treats when you stop (this is not a reward for being 'good', just something good that he will associate with the scissors), never progressing until you can see he's very happy at the stage you're at. This could take weeks, or even longer, as it's important not to go too fast.
If you could get away with just grooming, I would stick with that for now so he forgets about those scary scissors. Then I would try to veeeeeery gradually desensitise him to the scissors, starting by simply having them next to you while you pet him, then picking them up, treating him, and putting them down again. Then, once he's actually happy to see you pick up the scissors because he knows a treat is forthcoming, hold them nearer to his face while treating. Build up in the same way to opening and closing them a distance from his face while treating (maybe get someone to do the treating while you operate the scissors), then closer to his face, then actually cutting one tiny bit of hair... always treating while cutting and stopping the treats when you stop (this is not a reward for being 'good', just something good that he will associate with the scissors), never progressing until you can see he's very happy at the stage you're at. This could take weeks, or even longer, as it's important not to go too fast.
Hi Judy. I have tried a similar technique, I don't think I persevered for long enough. I will definitely try again starting from the beginning and taking it slowly, as you suggested. Thank you. 
I do have to trim him as in between his eyes gets a bit manky. I use a soft warm cloth and massage it at the moment to keep it clean. He will let me do this for a few seconds at a time. It's harder than having children
thanks again
I do have to trim him as in between his eyes gets a bit manky. I use a soft warm cloth and massage it at the moment to keep it clean. He will let me do this for a few seconds at a time. It's harder than having children
thanks againWelcome to Dog Forum!
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